This tutorial will show you how to make a faux hanging succulent ball using Dollar Tree supplies for a piece of budget-friendly wall decor that looks high-end, works indoors or out, and adds instant charm to patios, porches, sunrooms, and even small spaces.
DIY Faux Hanging Succulent Ball
Several years ago, I bought a metal hanging solar light ball for my backyard. I loved it… but every time I walked past it, it just looked a little lonely swaying there all by itself. It needed a friend. Something with the same round shape, same hanging vibe, but with a little more life and personality. That’s when the idea of a hanging succulent ball popped into my head.
Now, let me be honest — for me, faux is the only way to go. My black thumb is legendary, and real plants and I have a long history of disappointment. So an artificial succulent ball that looks lush, full, and never needs watering? Yes, please.
It also gives total mistletoe vibes, which I love, but I actually think this project is perfect for the New Year. Succulents symbolize resilience, strength, prosperity, and enduring love because they thrive in harsh conditions and store what they need to survive. In Feng Shui, they’re associated with positive energy and growth. Basically, they’re the perfect “new beginnings” plant — and a beautiful reminder that we can thrive too.
And if you’re a Dollar Tree super fan like me, you already know exactly which item inspired this whole project: those classic Hanging Wire Baskets. They’ve been in the store forever, and every time I see them, I think, “You are just begging to become a ball.” So today, I’m showing you how to turn them into a stunning DIY faux hanging succulent sphere using mostly Dollar Tree finds.
Why This Is a Great Dollar Tree DIY
Here’s a pro tip: the Garden Collection Hanging Wire Baskets are available online in “smaller quantities.” You can order as few as four, which means you can make two of these artificial succulent balls — exactly what I’m planning for my own backyard.
Even better? Many Dollar Tree online items can be shipped free to your local store, so you skip the shipping fees and still get bulk-style value.
This is the perfect example of how Dollar Tree items can become beautiful, modern farmhouse or boho-style hanging plant decor when you let yourself see the potential, not just what they are in the aisle.
One note – even though DT occasionally sells the small faux succulent plants, this project requires so many that it would make it unaffordable. Which is why it is better to source these on Amazon or even Temu to keep this project in budget.
Keep Designing –
How To Make A Faux Hanging Succulent Ball
This tutorial will show you how to make a faux hanging succulent ball using Dollar Tree supplies for a piece of budget-friendly wall decor that looks high-end, works indoors or out, and adds instant charm to patios, porches, sunrooms, and even small spaces.
Materials
- 2 – Garden Collection Hanging Wire Baskets, 10 in. (with husk basket inserts)
- 1 – 9” Styrofoam ball
- or floral bricks glued together and carved into a 9” sphere
- Faux succulent picks (approx. 20–30 stems, mixed sizes)
- Floral wire (22-gauge, about 10–12 pieces cut to 6–8 inches each)
- Faux moss (optional, for filling gaps)
- Tacky glue (weather-resistant and stronger than hot glue)
Tools
- Wire cutters
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun (optional, for moss only)
- Pencil or skewer (for pre-poking holes in foam)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Wire Baskets
Start by removing the chain from both hanging baskets. You’ll notice there’s an inner rim circle at the bottom of each basket.
On one of the baskets, reattach the chain so that the hooks connect to that inner bottom rim instead of the outer top edge. This simple change allows the basket to hang nicely and form a perfect hanging succulent sphere.
Step 2: Create the Ball Form
If you’re using a 9” Styrofoam ball, you’re already set. If you’re using floral bricks, glue them together into a rough cube, then trim and sand them into a sphere shape. This will be the base that holds all your faux plant picks securely.
Place the foam ball inside one basket half to test the fit. It should sit snugly and fill the shape without forcing the wire.
Step 3: Join the Baskets
Place the second basket on top, upside down, lining up the rims to form a full ball. Use floral wire to secure the two baskets together at several points around the seam (about 6–8 ties evenly spaced).
Twist tightly and tuck the wire ends inward so they don’t poke through later.
I also created cross braces between the ribs of the basket using the wire. This helps support the succulent stems.
Now you officially have the structure for your hanging succulent sphere.
Step 4: Insert the Succulents
Cut your faux succulent stems, leaving about 1½–2 inches of stem. Use a skewer or pencil to pre-poke holes into the foam, then insert the picks at slight angles so the plants cascade naturally.
Work in layers, mixing colors, textures, and sizes to create that full, realistic, “expensive garden center” look. This is what makes your fake succulent decor look real. 
Secure each pick with a small dab of tacky glue at the base for long-term hold, especially if this will live outdoors. Don’t worry if you can see the styrofoam peaking through a little bit. We will take care of that in the next step.
Step 5: Fill Gaps with Moss
Tuck bits of faux moss into any visible foam areas. This softens the look and gives your faux succulent hanging decor a lush, finished appearance.
Step 6: Hang and Admire
Reattach the chain hook and hang your new artificial succulent ball near your solar light, on a porch beam, pergola, or even indoors near a window. It instantly adds texture, color, and that dreamy mistletoe-style charm.
Notes
Everything except the Styrofoam ball and succulent picks can be found at Dollar Tree. The ball and plants can be easily sourced on Amazon.
Keep Designing –
Final Vibes
This project is a perfect example of how you can create high-end, no maintenance plant decor using simple Dollar Tree items — as long as you allow yourself to see what they can become, not just what they are on the shelf.
With a little imagination, a couple of wire baskets, and some faux greenery, you can design beautiful indoor/outdoor hanging greenery ideas, stylish boho hanging plant DIY pieces, and truly budget-friendly wall decor that looks like it came from a boutique, not a dollar store.
And the best part? This DIY faux hanging succulent ball will never need water, never drop leaves, and will always look fresh — which, for fellow black-thumb friends, is basically decorating perfection.
I have to say I absolutely love the way this project turned out. So much so that i have some ideas for similar projects like this. So stay tuned! 🌿
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